Kramer vs. Kramer

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1:32

Kramer vs. Kramer

PG

Released Dec 19, 1979

1h 44m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

90%

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101 Reviews

89%

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25,000+ Ratings

On the same day Manhattan advertising executive Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) lands the biggest account of his career, he learns that his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), is leaving him and their young son, Billy (Justin Henry). Forced to raise his son alone, Ted loses his job but gains a stronger relationship with the child with the help of another single parent, Margaret (Jane Alexander). When Joanna returns to claim custody of Billy, the ensuing court battle takes a toll on everyone concerned.

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Critics Consensus

The divorce subject isn't as shocking, but the film is still a thoughtful, well-acted drama that resists the urge to take sides or give easy answers.

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Michael Blowen

Boston Globe

Hoffman, Streep and Henry persuade you that they are "real" people in a "real" situation, and that is a rare phenomenon in contemporary movies.

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Michael Maza

Arizona Republic

In concept, in casting, but especially in execution, it is easily the year's most successful motion picture and probably one of the decade's. In assessing credit one hardly knows where to begin.

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Kramer vs. Kramer never loses its low-key, realistic touch. You will sit at the end of the film wondering why we don't see more pictures like this.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 5, 2022

Full Review

Nick Rogers

Midwest Film Journal

The film remains a masterclass in marital (and masculine) anxiety, with precisely observed details across the board.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 22, 2024

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Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

Meryl Streep and Dustin Hoffman are extraordinary in this timely tale of marital divorce and the problematic battles of child custody.

Jun 27, 2023

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a solid drama that benefits substantially from the top-tier efforts of its various performers...

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 22, 2023

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paul w

Rewatched Kramer vs Kramer last night. A movie I enjoy. I've changed my mind on one aspect. It's clear to me now that the Streep character is selfish and narcissistic. It would not be surprising if she suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder. Once she won the court decision, she realizes that she'll be tied down raising the child which will lead her back to the pain she had escaped. So the ending is not only not surprising, it was the only possible realistic ending.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/25

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alan g

A very sad and thoughtful film. Destructive couple but Dustin Hoffbrau still one trick pony.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/11/25

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JP K

Over 4 decades later, Kramer vs. Kramer's light still shines bright. Has there ever been a more raw, beautifully brutal movie about what human beings do to one another? I went through an almost 2 year custody battle; I told my ex then, "Let's do mediation, because if we go to court, you'll be broke, I'll be broke, and the lawyers will have all of the money." "Too late, I'll see you in court," she said. The scene where Ted HAS TO get a job, at that Christmas office party for an agency he's bum-rushed into making a decision into hiring him (or not), and Benton shows everyone in the holiday spirit, while Ted sits there, staring into the abyss, the weight of the world on him. THAT scene, THAT SHOT, is one of the greatest I've ever seen for conveying inner thoughts & feelings cinematically. It still tears me up. I fought a bloodless battle, for which I'll always bear scars. Oh, I won custody, too.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/25

Full Review

Alexsander F

O filme é lindo, é de uma simplicidade, me surpreendeu bastante. E so me faz gostar mais ainda de filmes de crônicas do cotidiano. Belíssimo longa metragem.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/20/24

Full Review

J C

This movie really packs a punch. The writing and acting are flawless. Even the kid in the movie is incredible. I usually can't stand child actors but somehow this kid was on top of it. There are so many takeaways and messages that are subtly delivered. I can see why this movie has endured as a classic.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/18/24

Full Review

Christian K

A very genuine and grounded look at a hard situation for all involved, it feels real but doesn't get there in the end for me on impact and entertainment.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/12/24

Full Review

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Robert Benton

Director

Dustin Hoffman

Ted Kramer

Meryl Streep

Joanna Kramer

Justin Henry

Billy Kramer

Jane Alexander

Margaret Phelps

Howard Duff

John Shaunessy

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Change of Heart

2:13

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Were You A Failure?

2:02

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Ted's Plea

2:11

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Billy Acts Out

2:09

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - I Want My Son

2:09

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - I'm His Mother

2:02

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - Making French Toast

2:10

Kramer vs. Kramer: Official Clip - I'm Leaving You

2:12

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Kramer vs. Kramer: Trailer 1

1:32

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Synopsis

On the same day Manhattan advertising executive Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) lands the biggest account of his career, he learns that his wife, Joanna (Meryl Streep), is leaving him and their young son, Billy (Justin Henry). Forced to raise his son alone, Ted loses his job but gains a stronger relationship with the child with the help of another single parent, Margaret (Jane Alexander). When Joanna returns to claim custody of Billy, the ensuing court battle takes a toll on everyone concerned.

Director: Robert Benton
Producer: Stanley R. Jaffe
Screenwriter: Avery Corman, Robert Benton
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 19, 1979, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Runtime: 1h 44m
Sound Mix: Mono

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